A Smile of the Heart

Be joyful always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

I have a friend who is always joyful. He is 95 years old. His health is failing, his friends are mostly gone and his family lives at a distance. This man still reads the Word daily and is constantly singing. His prayer and hope is that he would continue to sing as he passes into glory. His smile is not one of continual happiness. I have sat with him as he has cried over the death of his best friend, the grief of a wayward child, the sins of his youth. There is no doubt he has felt the sting of life on earth. However, he continues to praise. His smile is a radiating joy- a smile of the heart.

The word "joyful" obviously means "to be glad, to rejoice". But look a little further. "It is a joy that is a direct result of God's grace. God's grace is unearned and unmerited favor and acceptance. Grace is a favor done without expectation of return.its only motive is in the free-heartedness of the Giver." One commentary says that not only does God's grace affect man's sinfulness and forgives the repentant sinner but brings joy and thankfulness to him (Zodhiates). What does all this mean? The Christian's joy is not dependant on circumstances. It comes from what Christ has done and because of that, remains constant!

Are we, as Christians, joyful? I believe too many of us have forgotten what we have been saved from. Have we become distracted and allowed ourselves to lose view of who and what Christ is really about, why He came and what our mission is? Do we have a heart of complacency or one of joy and thanksgiving?

Thank you, Jesus, for reaching down and rescuing me from death, from hell, from myself. Forgive me for having a complacent heart. Pour Your joy to overflowing in my heart so that others may see You and be saved. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher